The Men of the Tay under the direction of Shelley McLaren. Move cursor over image for different view.

In the capable hands of Musical Director Shelley McLaren, and with the assistance of Chorus Manager (and MC/narrator) Brent McLaren and Accompanist Val Leavitt, The Men presented Christmas music, both old and new, charming us all with their professionalism and virtuosity.  Even the rousing old-fashioned carol singalong at the end had a familiar story to tell as we worked our way to towards Christmas morning!

Probians who missed this month’s meeting can catch The Men of the Tay, in concert with their sister group The Women of the Tay, on December 10th.  The Men of the Tay will appear again as part of the Perth Citizen’s Band Christmas Concert on December 16th.  The Women of the Tay will be part of the Nine Lessons and Carols taking place on December 21st. All of these appearances take place at St. James Anglican Church and begin at 7:30.

Patrick Lee talking about a special gift for a school in Uganda........and that's no bull.

• January ~ Heather Perkins-McVey will speak to us on certain legal aspects relevant to us as seniors.
• February ~ John McKenty will tell us about the James Brothers and their part in Perth history, and it is expected that he will have copies of his new book on the subject available at the meeting;
• March ~ still to be arranged.
• April ~ our own Rudi Lepp will speak on nuclear energy and its possible role in our future;
• May ~ still to be arranged.
• June ~ Marking the 65th anniversary of D-Day, the Allied Invasion of Europe, Peter Craske will talk about his experiences flying with the RAF in support of the D Day Landings.

• April ?, 2009 ~ Keith is planning a trip to the RCAF Museum in Trenton, but details are not yet firmed up.
• May 27, 2009 is the date chosen for our outing to the Gananoque Playhouse, to see the show, "Forever Plaid".
• June 15, 2009 ~ Golf Tournament to be organized again by Glen Pettinger.

Members of other Probus Clubs are welcome to join our special events. If you have ideas for new events or trips, please talk to Denise Mullins (613-267-3479). Note: For all trips, the bus leaves from the Legion.

This month's Management Meeting was held on Monday, 8 Dec. Items discussed included:
• Our 2008-09 membership now stands at 124. Our limit is 150 so if you have friends who you think might enjoy Probian pleasures bring them along to a sample meeting. Application forms are available from Membership Director Rod Woolham. A phone survey of former members who have not renewed has been completed.

Personal Profile – Dan Murphy

Dan was born in Ottawa, but grew up among the mountains of Alberta and the Yukon, playing on the relics of the Gold Rush and meeting more than his share of interesting characters there.  He attended high school in Arnprior and university in Thunder Bay where he studied Forestry and Biology and met his wife Lynn who was in the first graduating class of the BSc Nursing program.  He and Lynn spent many years in the Arctic (Baffin Island and Yellowknife) as Dan worked for the GNWT Wildlife Service, obtained a Masters Degree in Environmental Studies, then entered the emerging arena of land claims negotiation for the Government of the Northwest Territories, and later became the Senior Negotiator for the federal government for land claims in the Mackenzie Valley, retiring as the Director of Environment for Canada's Indian Reserves. The Murphys retired to Burgess Wood four years ago.

New members David and Pat Batchelor
welcomed by Ernie Trischuk and Rod Woolham

This month's Probian was written by Carol Trischuk and next month it will be John Gibb-Carsley's turn. Would you be willing to take a turn on one of the February to June editions? Recent contributors have indicated that the new "template approach", which takes care of the layout and production elements, makes it very easy to author an edition. If you would like to make a contribution to your Probus club, by writing one edition please contact Colin at info@probusperth.ca.